San Diego, Calif. – Studies consistently show the irreplaceable role a positive, steady male influence plays in a child’s life, especially for boys. In San Diego County, however, too few boys in foster care have access to this vital support. Voices for Children, an established nonprofit dedicated to improving foster care outcomes, is issuing an urgent appeal for compassionate, committed men across San Diego County to step forward as volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs)
In San Diego County, approximately half of the 2,750 children in foster care each year are boys, yet only 19% of CASA advocates are men. Currently, 32 boys in the county are on a waiting list for a CASA volunteer, with more entering foster care daily. There’s a pressing need for male CASAs who can offer these boys the stable, supportive relationships essential for personal growth, safety, and long-term success. The organization also emphasizes the importance of diversity, especially calling on men of color and bilingual individuals to volunteer.
The Role and Impact of a CASA
CASA volunteers are extensively trained to provide vital support to foster children, many of whom have experienced significant trauma and have had few, if any, positive male figures in their lives. CASAs work closely with social workers, caregivers, attorneys, and other professionals to ensure that foster children’s needs are recognized and addressed by the court. Uniquely, CASAs carry a caseload of only one or two children, allowing them to build strong, trusting relationships and advocate effectively for each child’s best interests.
For boys, having a male CASA can be transformative. Research by Dr. Kyle Pruett and Dr. Warren Farrell demonstrates that foster children with consistent male role models are more likely to excel academically, avoid substance abuse, display self-discipline, and interact well with peers. Male CASAs can help change the trajectory of these boys’ lives by offering steady guidance, encouragement, and an example to follow.
A Story of Change: CASA Tim’s Journey
Tim R., a long-time CASA and the organization’s CASA of the Year in 2022, shares how volunteering reshaped not only the lives of the six boys he has advocated for but also his own. Tim, a retired advertising executive, discovered CASA during jury duty when a judge highlighted the need for strong male role models. Since then, he has dedicated years to mentoring boys who often lack a stable, consistent male presence in their lives.
Tim reflects, “You don’t need specialized training or a professional background to be a CASA; you just need the commitment to show up. Boys, especially teenagers, benefit from seeing the example of a reliable male figure who can guide them in understanding boundaries and empathy. My goal is to lead by example and show them the kind of men they can become.”
Tim’s experiences reveal the real impact that a CASA can make. Over time, he saw his case children, who initially resisted trusting adults, open up and build lasting trust. With patience and support, Tim helped them find a sense of security and self-worth.
The Lasting Legacy of CASA Support
The impact of male CASAs extends well beyond the time they spend with their case children. Anthony O.*, for instance, spent part of his childhood in foster care. Through the advocacy of his CASA, Daniel, Anthony found a safe, permanent home with his great-grandmother. Today, Anthony is a college graduate working with the SDSU Institute for Transformative Education, where he mentors high school students from underprivileged backgrounds. Inspired by Daniel’s example, he helps these students with their academic and personal challenges, just as Daniel once helped him.
“Having a male role model like CASA Daniel meant everything to me,” Anthony says. “For the first time, I had someone to look up to—a man who succeeded professionally, supported his family, and wasn’t afraid to share his feelings. He helped me believe I could go to college and achieve my dreams.”
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
Voices for Children is urging men in San Diego County to step up and answer this call. As a CASA, you provide more than guidance—you become a dependable presence that fosters resilience and hope. CASAs play a crucial role not only in advocating for the youth in court but in life, helping to set them on paths to success and stability. The need for male CASAs is greater than ever, and the chance to influence a child’s life is at your fingertips.
In the words of Jessica Muñoz, President and CEO of Voices for Children, “We need men in San Diego County to speak up for boys in foster care now.” Whether you’re in the courtroom advocating for a child’s needs or simply cheering them on from the sidelines at a game, your presence and commitment can create a positive ripple effect that lasts a lifetime.
If you are ready to make a profound difference in the lives of San Diego’s foster youth, visit speakupnow.org for more information and to get started. The journey you embark on as a CASA has the potential to transform not only a child’s life but your own as well.